Nzambi Matee

Despite the concerted efforts and substantial investments, Africa continues to grapple with alarming stagnation in its sanitation progress. The prevailing narrative of importing solutions from afar has proven inadequate, often leaving African nations trapped in a cycle of dependency and inefficacy. It's time to challenge this status quo and embrace locally-driven initiatives tailored to address Africa's unique sanitation challenges.while funds are pumped into the sector, tangible improvements in sanitation infrastructure and access remain elusive for many African communities. Part of the issue lies in the mismatch between imported solutions and local realities. What works seamlessly in one context may falter in another due to differences in culture, infrastructure, and socio-economic dynamics. Sanitation is not a one-size-fits-all challenge; it requires nuanced, context-specific approaches. Importing pre-packaged solutions without considering these nuances only perpetuates the cycle of inefficiency and underdevelopment. This dependence undermines local agency and stifles innovation. Instead of empowering local communities to take ownership of their sanitation needs, it fosters a mindset of passivity, where solutions are perceived as something to be received rather than created. In this context, sanitation in Africa risks becoming a cash cow for external entities, rather than a catalyst for sustainable development. The influx of funds, often accompanied by bureaucratic red tape, has led to mismanagement and corruption, further hindering progress. Meanwhile, the underlying issues persist, perpetuating a cycle where the problem becomes the solution for external actors seeking to capitalize on Africa's sanitation challenges. However, amidst these challenges lies a glimmer of hope: the potential for locally-driven solutions to catalyze real change. Across the continent, innovative approaches tailored to local contexts are emerging, driven by grassroots initiatives, community engagement, and indigenous knowledge. These initiatives recognize that sustainable solutions must be rooted in local realities, taking into account cultural practices, environmental conditions, and socio-economic factors. By mobilizing local resources and knowledge, CLTS fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility, leading to sustainable behavior change. Similarly, innovations such as saniwise eco toilet embrace nature-based solutions that are both environmentally sustainable and culturally appropriate. In embracing local solutions for local problems, Africa has the opportunity to break free from the shackles of dependency and chart its own path towards sustainable development. Sanitation should not be viewed as a low-hanging fruit ripe for exploitation but rather as a fundamental human right and a driver of progress. By harnessing the ingenuity and resilience of its people, Africa can build a future where access to sanitation is not just a dream but a reality for all.

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Climate change poses an imminent threat to Kenya's environment, economy, and social fabric. From prolonged droughts to erratic rainfall patterns, the impacts are increasingly evident. Amidst this crisis, robust environmental conservation efforts are crucial to safeguarding Kenya's natural resources and securing a sustainable future. However, effective conservation requires inclusive participation, especially from remote communities often marginalized in decision-making processes. Digital transformation presents a potent solution to bridge this gap. By leveraging technology, the government and the United Nations (UN) United Nations UN Environment Programme can enhance inclusivity and empower remote areas to actively engage in conservation efforts. Digital platforms can facilitate real-time data collection, analysis, and dissemination, enabling stakeholders to make informed decisions and respond promptly to environmental challenges. Additionally, digital tools can streamline communication channels, fostering collaboration between communities, conservation organizations, and government agencies. The impact of digital transformation in conservation would be profound. Remote communities would have greater access to information and resources through capacity building programs and sensitization, empowering them to implement localized conservation initiatives tailored to their unique needs. Moreover, increased participation from these communities would enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of conservation efforts across the country. By embracing digital innovation, Kenya can amplify its environmental conservation endeavors, mitigate the impacts of climate change, and pave the way for a greener, more resilient future for all its citizens.

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ECAS Institute was represented by our CEO Jacob Olonde at a dialogue on carbon markets and development held on the sidelines of the tenth Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development (ARFSD-10) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Discussions at the dialogue session focused on the four themes of carbon markets: voluntary carbon markets, compliance carbon markets, Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, and carbon tax markets. Experts underscored that relying solely on carbon credit trading is insufficient and that fair negotiations and resource allocation to address development disparities effectively is necessary. Sharing the results of the key findings of carbon emissions in the shipping industry, Jan Hoffmann, from UNCTAD said “Carbon dioxide emissions have increased by 21% in the last decade in the shipping industry which is a major concern in African countries. There is a need for alternative fuels for Africa to become competitive,” Explaining why blue and green economies are important for Africa to mitigate climate change, James Kairo, said mangrove forests and other blue carbon ecosystems are crucial for achieving the SDGS, particularly SDG14 as they provide vital habitat for fisheries and support biodiversity. On his part, Jacob Olonde, CEO of ECAS Institute and Climate Change Expert said "Kenya's Climate Change Act, of 2016 was amended to provide express regulation of carbon markets in Kenya and to provide guidance in the development and implementation of carbon markets in compliance with international obligations, to provide policy direction on carbon markets, and to develop benefit-sharing mechanisms in carbon markets. This is an opportunity for the private sector and development community to direct climate finance and investments to Kenya to support local climate action. The amended Climate Act now provides for the establishment of a national carbon registry in Kenya and regulates trade in carbon credits. Carbon trading projects are now required to undergo mandatory environmental and social impact assessment under Kenya’s environmental laws." Experts at the dialogue session agreed that engagement, particularly from investors and civil society organizations is crucial for the effective implementation of the carbon taxation regime. Country-tailored engagement strategies (and/or clusters of countries with similar contexts) were proposed to optimize support to governments in resource allocation and negotiation processes, promoting fairness and sustainability. Additionally, the establishment of institutional, legal, technical, and financial capacities was emphasized, alongside the nomination of focal points and reviewers for Article 6 implementation. The Dialogue on Carbon Credits was organized by the Regional Collaborative Platform (RCP) which unites all UN entities working on sustainable development to ensure full collaboration and coordination of UN assets in addressing key challenges that transcend country borders.

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Episode 3 How can #African #cities learn from each other towards building /rebuilding #resilient #cities under #changing #climate? Management of Floods and Waste in urban environment- open for discussion #Flooding in Kenya is predictable, however, there are problems (known or perceived) when managing flooding plus waste , Nairobi city inclusive. Going by similar scenarios happening and challenges therein regarding management of floods in both Global North and South economies, and elsewhere - flood prone countries /economies …looking at urban environment, for #Kenya situation and Nairobi County in particular, #planning /re-planning for flood & waste management will be call for action by different entities /stakeholders. Having listened to proposals from commoners as well those affected .... …there is a need to engage with the rest of the #LinkedIn #family #friend #associate #professional for purpose of learning, unlearning and relearning on the same topic confining our topic of flood & waste management within the urban environment. I raise the same query 1. Is this a man made catastrophe we are sleepwalking into? Or Just the price of rapid growth (population, economic, ..) ? 2. Can we build our ways out of this mess or are we all just soaked? Let me know what you think in the comment (share this to seek more audience and contributions) Dr. George Wainaina Darren Hart Eng. Allen M Kimambo Zoë Lenkiewicz Henrietta Osei-Tutu® TheSanitationAdvocate™ Piotr Barczak Kata Tisza Cyrus Mbugua Mansoor Ali Jennifer Wang Greyson Onesmo Metili Fidel Amakye Owusu Martin Tumusiime Gisore Nyabuti Zablon Ogolla Betterman Musasia Charles Warria Timothy Njagi, PhD Dr. Richard Munang

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The Water Quality #AssuranceFund bridges the urban-rural divide and enables established urban laboratories to provide water quality testing services to rural water systems. It makes monitoring rural water systems more attractive to urban water quality laboratories. #REALWater is evaluating this model in Kenya to promote water quality testing in rural areas. Here is a detailed factsheet about the project in Kenya: https://lnkd.in/erfRR7C8 #REALWater | USAID Global Waters | Conrad N. Hilton Foundation | The Helmsley Charitable Trust | Water Mission

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DO Environmental impact assessment reports mean anything in Kenya? Is there a follow through on environnental management after reports are released?who does that? I think the EIA system has failed in Kenya, and probably in several African Countries where environmental protection laws are weak. Whereas the EIA process is itself structurally weak, by requiring the project proponent to pay for the exercise thereby compromising the integrity of the results, they don't appear to be working in Kenya due to poor enforcements. It seems to me that the reports are ends in themselves, are manipulated and there is no follow up!This not only defeats the purpose of EIAs, but is a direct threat to environmental conservation and integrity. For third world developing Countries, we probably need to change the laws to focus more on the environmental management stage of EIAs. We can additionally introduce 'environmental offsets' to require the project proponent to perform equivalent, additional conservation or restoration measures at another location, if the mitigation measures taken at the project site are inadequate or non- existent. This would be a kind of 'environmental offset, dully contracted and enforceable. Environmental conservation efforts must focus on impact, rather than mere actions! Most projects in Kenya degrade the environment, and just walk away due to weak environmental protection laws in the Country. Its ' inconceivable that the Country is host to UNEP, the main global environmental policy custodian!

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Kenya's forest cover is estimated at 5.9% of the total land area (2018), compared to 8% in 1990. There has been a significant lack of investment in the sector to protect Kenya's ecosystems. #Conservation " You cannot separate forests and wildlife " #Stewards #biodiversityloss #SpeciesConservation

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Day2 Forum kickstarts with alot of Energy from yesterday's discussions on Carbon markets. Interesting and Expert speakers, so moved by this Forum. #EACMF2024 #EastAfricaCarbonMarketForum #CarbonMarkets East Africa Carbon Markets Forum

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“About 995 tonnes of waste are generated in Harare daily, with 70 percent of this generated in residential areas and 30 percent coming from industrial and commercial activities.” Whenever I pitch, I get to hear why are you approaching households and not businesses. Though I understand the reasoning that approaching a B2B market is easier than a D2C, what people don't understand is that the problem is not in businesses, it's majorly in households. Waste management in households (across the globe) is unchecked, non-monitored, and immeasurable. Unless we tackle this in households, we cannot bring any significant improvement in global waste crisis.

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Summary of the Climate Change (Carbon Markets) Regulations 2024 The Climate Change (Carbon Markets) Regulations 2024, effective from 17th May 2024, provide comprehensive regulatory oversight for carbon market activities in Kenya. These Regulations operationalize the Climate Change (Amendment) Act 2023, amending the Climate Change Act 2016, to regulate carbon market participation. Key Highlights: 1. Governance and Institutional Framework: The Designated National Authority (DNA), now National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) will oversee all carbon market activities. A multi-sectoral technical committee advises the DNA on project assessments. The Climate Change Directorate coordinates stakeholder engagement and research. 2. National Carbon Registry: NEMA as the DNA, now manages the National Carbon Registry, the registry records all carbon projects across Energy, IPPU, Agriculture, LULUCF and Waste Sector Registrars, appointed by relevant Cabinet Secretaries, head sector-specific registries. 3. Participation in Carbon Markets: Project proponents must be legal entities with financial capacity and expertise. Regular disclosures to the DNA on project costs, emissions reductions, and revenues are mandatory. 4. Carbon Offset Project Procedures: Step-by-step process for project approval, including concept note assessment by the multi-sectoral technical committee and project design document approval. Implementation of projects must begin within 12 months of receiving approval. 5. Land-based and Non-land based Projects: Land-based projects involve land use and ecosystem conservation. Non-land based projects use technologies like solar lighting, efficient cookstoves, and green transport. 6. Annual Social Contributions (and/or benefit sharing arrangements): Land-based projects on public/community land must contribute at least 40% of previous year's earnings to the community. Non-land based projects on public/community land must contribute at least 25%. 7. Environmental Protection: Mandatory environmental impact assessments and audits by the National Environment Management Agency. 8. Transition: Existing project proponents must comply with the new Regulations within two years. #CarbonMarkets #Sustainability #Kenya #EnvironmentalRegulations

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🌍 Protecting Urban Wetlands: A Call to Action for Lake Naivasha 🌊 Research Topic: Assessing Impacts of Human Activities on Urban Wetlands; A case study of Lake Naivasha Kenya. Urban wetlands are essential yet fragile ecosystems that provide critical services such as water purification, flood control and biodiversity support. Unfortunately, rapid urbanization and human activities are threatening these vital areas globally. Lake Naivasha, a Ramsar site in Kenya's Great Rift Valley Nakuru County, is a prime example of an urban wetland facing severe pressures. As one of Kenya’s most important water bodies, it supports a rich array of wildlife and is vital for the country’s horticultural industry. However, industrialization, agricultural expansion and population growth are jeopardizing its ecological health and sustainability. Our research aims to assess the impacts of these human activities on Lake Naivasha, focusing on habitat integrity, water level fluctuations and demographic trends. This study will provide crucial insights for developing sustainable management strategies that balance human needs with ecological conservation. We are calling on all stakeholders, well-wishers, environmental organisations and scholars to support and engage with this important research. Your involvement can make a significant difference in safeguarding Lake Naivasha for future generations. Interested in collaborating or learning more? Contact us at: cliffbarasa@gmail.com or teamclimatechangenaivasha@gmail.com) or +254703589148 Your interest and support will be highly appreciated! 🌱🦩 #UrbanWetlands #LakeNaivasha #RamsarSite #EnvironmentalConservation #SustainableDevelopment #ClimateAction #ResearchCollaboration

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Exploring High-Impact Opportunities In today's world, high-impact investments hold immense promise as the powerful engines of mass job creation. In Africa alone, over 12 million young people enter the job market each year. Let's explore some grantmaking and development partner opportunities: 1. #SolarEnergy: This remains relatively untapped in Africa for residential and light manufacturing use. India has witnessed remarkable growth in its solar energy sector. The country's ambitious solar projects have not only addressed energy needs but also provided livelihoods. For instance, the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission has created jobs for solar panel installation, maintenance, and manufacturing, bolstering employment opportunities. #RenewableEnergy #CleanTech 2. #herbalmedicine in Africa and #vaccinedevelopment: In regions like Africa and South America indigenous herbal compounds, plants and extracts remain untapped and exploited by 'Big Business', often to the detriment and exclusion of local communities. Brazil's participation in the development and production of COVID-19 vaccines was a game-changer for the country. Companies like the Butantan Institute and Fiocruz played pivotal roles in vaccine production, creating jobs in research, manufacturing, and distribution. #Pharmaceuticals #VaccineDevelopment 3. #SustainableAgriculture: Kenya has embraced sustainable farming practices with initiatives such as the Green Arava project. By adopting innovative and regenerative farming techniques, this project has not only improved food security but also provided employment opportunities for rural communities. Ghana has a rich tapestry of AgriTech companies like Esoko, Complete Farmer, WARC, Farmerline, Agrocenta and Grow For Me. #SustainableFood #FoodSecurity #AgricultureJobs #regenerativeagriculture 4. #RenewableEnergy: Morocco's commitment to renewable energy has led to substantial job creation. The Noor Solar Complex, for instance, has employed a significant workforce for the construction and operation of solar power plants. #RenewableEnergy #SustainableDevelopment 5. #Telemedicine: Telehealth platforms in Nigeria have gained prominence, improving access to healthcare services and generating employment for healthcare providers and tech professionals. Companies like Sevamob have been at the forefront of this transformative change. Internet access and Digital Literacy solutions will have to go and in hand with this opportunity however. #HealthcareTech #Telehealth Investors, foundations, and donors, these initiatives from the Global South are not only making a difference but also opening up avenues for job creation. Which one resonates with your mission of impact and change? Let's engage in a conversation about creating a better world. #ImpactInvesting #EmploymentOpportunities #Sustainability #SocialImpact #InvestingInChange #Innovation #technicalassistance #DonorEngagement #GlobalDevelopment

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Advancing Household Sanitation: A Focus on Microfinance Institutions Many households, both in rural and urban areas, still lack access to proper sanitation facilities, which poses serious health risks and hinders socioeconomic development. According to data from the Ghana Statistical Service, this issue persists despite efforts to improve sanitation infrastructure nationwide. To address this issue, we can strengthen sanitation financing through microfinance institutions.  Drawing from my experience piloting the district sanitation fund, I witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of microfinance-led initiatives. Research from the World Bank and organizations like Water.org and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation supports this, highlighting how microfinance loans have successfully increased access to sanitation facilities in low-income communities globally. Microfinance institutions, with their focus on empowering communities through financial inclusion, play a key role in addressing sanitation challenges by providing tailored loans to households. One effective method is establishing revolving funds dedicated to sanitation, offering low-interest loans specifically for this purpose. This initiative bridges the gap in traditional banking services, ensuring even the most vulnerable communities can access funds. Microfinance loans' affordability encourages widespread adoption and compliance, empowering individuals to make financial decisions. The revolving nature of these funds ensures sustainability, with repaid loans recycling capital for future projects. Our role as WASH professionals is to collaborate with these microfinance institutions to enhance their capacity to better understand the sanitation market dynamics, mitigate risks, and develop innovative financing products, ultimately driving meaningful change and paving the way for improved sanitation access in Ghana. Despite challenges such as awareness building, lack of loan repayment, and cultural barriers, effective partnerships between microfinance institutions, government agencies, and community stakeholders can successfully navigate these hurdles. Embracing microfinance-led sanitation financing can significantly increase household sanitation coverage and contribute to advancing efforts to achieve SDG 6.2 in Ghana.

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REUSE = CIRCULAR ECONOMY Is your business REUSING materials to extend product lifecycles and reduce waste – we want you! Apply to join the Nairobi Circular Economy ClimAccelerator to scale your circular business model and make reuse mainstream. If you are promoting the reuse of items such as; electronics, packaging materials or even furniture, apply before 28th April to stand a chance to join the programme. Visit our website to learn more and submit your application TODAY. Link - https://lnkd.in/dHieJB7q ClimAccelerator is a global programme for start-ups to innovate, catalyse and scale the potential of their climate solutions. #CircularEconomy #Entrepreneur #NairobiAccelerator #Reuse

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How do we solve this imbalance between underprivileged community farmers and their commercial counterparts? 🤔 It's all about embracing inclusive growth models, like providing access to innovative tech and sustainable practices. 🌱💧 Let's chat about how we can support these vital members of our food chain. 📢 Share your thoughts or tag someone who's making a difference! #InclusiveGrowth #SustainableFarming #TechForGood

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HOW ZAMBIAN COMPANIES ARE PROFITEERING FROM THE UNREGULATED CARBON MARKET Our latest article shows how Zambian companies are taking advantage of the unregulated carbon market. By Linda Soko Tembo | MAY 3, 2024 Since 2014, Chieftainess Mpanshya of the Soli people in Rufunsa district and her subjects have received annual payments from carbon trading. However, the amounts fluctuate depending on the carbon sales each year. Chieftainess Mpanshya explained that BioCarbon Partner (BCP), a leading REDD+ carbon developer in Africa, was granted land for carbon trading several years ago, although their trading operations began specifically in 2014. She emphasised that the land was provided to them free of charge, with a 30-year tenure. She said BCP, one of the organisations involved in carbon trading in her chiefdom, provides explanations regarding the outcomes of the sales. However, she expressed concern over the lack of transparency about the carbon trading process, including where the carbon is sold and the financial details. “We're in the dark about carbon trading—where the carbon is sold and the financial transactions involved. This lack of transparency is a major concern for us,” she stated. The MakanDay Centre for Investigative Journalism's attempts to get an explanation from BCP have been unsuccessful. This raises questions about BCP's commitment to transparency in its dealings with rural communities. Although the carbon market is small and new in Zambia, few Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and companies are investing in this burgeoning market. Click on the link to read full story: https://lnkd.in/d3NrC8KU

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Check out the latest tool in our open source initiative—an Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS) template designed to streamline and enhance the development and operation of solar mini-grid projects across Africa. The ESMS template offers a standardized framework for managing environmental and social (E&S) impacts, complete with detailed procedures to manage broad E&S risks. It provides developers with the flexibility to customize these elements to fit the specific needs and operational contexts of their solar mini-grid projects in Africa. Download the ESMS template here: https://bit.ly/3z7V7iR “The ESMS template is the first of many ESG tools we plan to release to help developers adopt a structured approach to managing environmental and social impacts effectively. Over the last 2 years, CrossBoundary Access has developed these tools to facilitate the right-sized integration of ESG principles in rural solar mini-grid developments,” says Flora Oloo, ESG Manager at CrossBoundary Access. “We are proud to support CrossBoundary Access in their mission to provide universal energy access in Africa. The ESMS template is an invaluable tool for developers, ensuring that mini-grid projects not only provide power but do so in a way that is sustainable and socially responsible. This initiative aligns with our commitment to catalyzing clean energy innovation and inclusive investments,” says Kwaku Owusu-Achaw, Business Development Director at UK charity, Shell Foundation. The Open Source initiative is funded by Shell Foundation, with co-funding from the UK government through the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and Transforming Energy Access. What other tools can be shared with the energy access community to help guide the development and operation of mini-grid projects? Let us know what you think in the comments! 👇 #shellfoundation #minigrids #energyaccess

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ESMS minigrid template for you.

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